Splinta, while in general I agree completely with your post, I must disagree with two of the statements. Under "normal" conditions, the number of released fish which die is not large. For example, when released into cold water without excessive handling, several studies have shown that the mortality for Atlantic salmon is 0%. Generally, the number is considered less than 10%. I believe this has also been amply demonstrated in many studies surrounding bass tournaments (although other problems may exist, mortality has not been shown to be a problem). Secondly, a released fish that dies is not a waste of the resource any more than one that dies of old age. It adds nutrients to the system. As do we when our days are done. Nonetheless, losses due to all "unnatural" causes must be considered when setting limits or instituting mandatory c & r. I believe all excess to be poor judgement, including excessive c&r. People who boast about releasing 100 trout a day on a wild trout fishery leave as bad a taste in my mouth as those who kill the same number where legal. All this started with the BSA badge, and although I usually avoid "me too" posts, I applaud the scouts for their balanced approach. When we (my son and I) introduced one of my 3-year-old grandsons to fishing last summer, we released some fish and explained why, we also killed a couple of the ones he caught, had him watch while they were cleaned, and then cooked them up for him to eat. We also stopped after landing about twenty even though we could have caught several hundred (mackerel). I'm certain everyone on this list understands the lessons we hoped to be teaching by example.
Cheers, Paul -- Paul Marriner Outdoor Writing & Photography. Member OWAA & OWC. Author of Atlantic Salmon, Ausable River Journal, Miramichi River Journal, and Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies.
